Welcome back for another book review ๐
‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama is a fantastic read- and also a fantastic watch if you have access to Netflix. I first watched the documentary with my Mum, and when she bought me the book I got chance to understand Michelle’s story in a lot more detail.
I’ve really been getting into reading more books this year- and I found this a very inspirational, interesting, and honest read. Michelle discusses her search to find out what she wants to do in life, the kind of person she wants to be, and how she will find her voice alongside her husband’s political fame.
Below, I’ve listed 3 reasons ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama could be your next read- and why I found it so inspirational!
Michelle Obama is just an ordinary person
This was the over-riding factor I took from the book. Michelle Obama’s life is not perfect, and her relationship with Barack has experienced ups and downs over the years- just like any other couple.
These imperfections were so brilliant to read about, as they showed that behind their public faces this couple are just the same as other couples- with the same worries, insecurities, and inequalities as millions of other couples across the world.
Michelle also speaks honestly of her emotions. Throughout the book she describes time she has felt anger, resentment, loss, love, and hate. I thought it was very honest how she discussed the fact that responsibility over having children rested with her- and the resentment she felt about Barack’s life in the political limelight.
I also loved how she discussed how she moved past this resentment, using her experiences and skills to make an ambitious voice for herself in a way that I found inspiring to read about. These are the emotions and challenges any ordinary person would experience as they grapple with the political limelight, and her story was real and honest.

Michelle’s work ethic is amazing
Michelle Obama has done a lot of work and jobs in her life as a working woman- and I think it was really interesting to read about her growth, understanding how she created a name for herself in many different avenues- including working for a hospital board, a local government organisation, and a corporate law firm.
Michelle also played a large role in her husband’s campaign, making many speeches to the American people and also finding her own voice once her husband was elected as President, such as contributing to the improvement of young womenโs professional confidence and career opportunities.
I loved hearing about her experiences mentoring and aiding the progression of young women, encouraging the children of the country to make healthy choices, and promoting the idea that a woman (from any background) should never feel like an imposer in the workplace.
I loved that she eventually moved on to work that was fulfilling for her, and she is motivated and committed to whatever job she is working at- both before and after she became First Lady. I loved how she did not want to simply play an ornamental role as First Lady and instead wanted to promote initiatives important to her- without taking away from her husbandโs role as President.

Michelle admits her faults
It is clear throughout this book that Michelle Obama admits the faults she has made- and I loved her discussion of her career anxieties and changes.
I particularly loved how she moved on to a career that was more fulfilling to her. Michelle was on a trajectory to be a corporate lawyer, and she was very successful at what she did.
But after a while she fell out of love with the law, and I love how she discussed this feeling- ultimately looking for something more fulfilling that could balance her family’s hopes with what she wanted for herself.
I’m not sure a lot of people would be brave enough to admit they no longer enjoyed something as high paying and well-respected as the law, and it was really inspiring to read how Michelle followed avenues she was more passionate about- while still having to find a profession that made enough to support herself and her family.
Do you think ‘Becoming’ could be your next inspirational read? Have you watched Michelle Obama’s documentary on Netflix? What is your next read?
Let me know all your thoughts ๐
Happy reading x
I read this in January and it was absolutely incredible!! The way in which Michelle Obama is just so human and relateable – working while raising children, battling mum guilt, exhausting herself raising a family while also trying to help every single person she can. Both her and Barack have incredible work ethics, morals and ideas and they are so determined and accomplish all they set out to. A completely groundbreaking couple and absolute inspirations for young people of colour, or everyone in general. I loved the book, it was chatty, informal and easy to read. Definitely recommend to anyone and everyone!!
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She is sooo relatable I agree- and she doesn’t shy away from conversations about her negative feelings, like you say ๐ I agree- their work ethics are inspiring and yet they seem so human and “normal”, and I loved the tone of the book too. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts x
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I listened to the audiobook when it was first published and loved every minute of it. It’s a book I could definitely listen to again as it was so powerful!
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Yes I agree, it’s so honest but also very inspirational ๐ thank you for sharing your thoughts x
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I’ve only recently subscribed to Netflix and I hadn’t realised she’d done a documentary – I’ll definitely look this out as autobiographies aren’t really my genre. That said, I do think I could make an exception for Michelle! x
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I get you, I’ve not read many autobiographies but this was definitely a great watch/read ๐ if you enjoy it let me know x
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Even just reading this makes me feel very inspired. She has definitely been one of the most inspiring and empowering women in history. I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for sharing such a lovely post and putting in words and bringing out the best of the book.
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She is brilliant ๐ thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book, I hope you check out the book or documentary x
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This makes me so happy because Michelle Obama’s Netflix documentary is next on my watch list. She is so inspirational and I love her story and the woman she is! Her book is one of my favourite reads of all time.
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Ooh that’s great then! She’s brilliant, I really hope you enjoy the documentary x
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I haven’t watched it, but I definitely will! Thanks!
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I hope you enjoy ๐
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Reading this post has made me so annoyed that I have not yet read this book. I most definitely need to grab a copy. It sounds amazing x x
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Haha, well I hope you get round to it soon then! x
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This book is one I’m am yet to read but desperate to read now after reading this post! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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Aw I really hope you enjoy it Lucy, thanks for reading x
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Great review! I’ve watched the Netflix documentary and loved it. She is just a phenomenal woman. I’ve been wanting to pick this up and read for like, ever. But just never got around to it but I’m going to make a point to read it this year! x
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She’s amazing! I hope you enjoy it, it’s an easy read in my opinion ๐ x
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I tried watching the documentary but I just couldn’t get into it. I’m notorious for not being able to sit still though when I’m in the middle of house renovations though so I should try it again. The book sounds great too.
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I agree, I have a very short attention span when it comes to documentaries/films so I understand ๐ I hope you get round to finishing it one day x
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I haven’t heard or seen this book before but I will definitely give it a try. We all could use female role models in this world.
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I agree, I hope you enjoy both of them ๐
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I loved this bookโจI watched the documentary which was equally good!
What a great read! I love your thoughts on becoming xx
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I thought both were fantastic too ๐ thank you so much xx
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I read this book last year and loved it! She is such an amazing woman and such an inspiration to so many people!
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She’s fantastic, I’m so glad you enjoyed the book too x
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I have read the book when it came out and watched the documentary not long ago and loved both of them! She is such an inspiration and absolutely love her commitment and bravery! Thanks for sharing x
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She is brilliant, I agree ๐ I’m glad you enjoyed both of them, I want to watch the documentary again now x
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Becoming is on my February reading list and I’m even more excited to read it now! I loved the documentary too, she’s just so inspiring and down to earth.
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Ooh I really hope you get round to it- you won’t be disappointed ๐
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Thanks for sharing this! This is one I’ve heard of but never read. Glad you enjoyed!
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Thank you ๐ I hope you give it a go x
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I think I’ll watch it on Netflix. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. ๐
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Thanks Rachel x
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I’ve watched the documentary on Netflix and it’s made me want to read the book even more. Your post has finished to convince me I should buy it! xx
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Aw I really hope you give it a go- itโs such a brilliant read ๐
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I really need to watch this on Netflix! I’m not much of a reader lately but maybe this will be the book that gets me back into it. Thanks for the post!
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Aww it really helped me want to read more, I really recommend it for getting out of a slump ๐
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I’m not a big political person, but I love memoirs, and I loved Becoming. In no point did it drag, and she has such a great storytelling ability that it kept me engaged throughout. I didnt know there was a companion documentary. I’m definitely going to check it out now though. Thanks!
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I’m not a political person either, but I agree it didn’t feel too “heavy” or like she was trying to push an agenda- it was an honest insight into a very ambitious, interesting woman ๐ I hope you enjoy it, let me know x
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It’s seems like something I’ll be interested in reading. I love inspirational books and I hope I get to read this.
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I hope you get round to reading it ๐
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I totally forgot about this book! I really wanted to read it when I first heard about it and it slipped my mind. Thanks for sharing! I hope to read it soon x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
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Ooh I really hope you check it out, thank you for dropping by ๐
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I saw the documentary and debated reading the book. It sounds like its worth it for the deeper story. Hoping to read it soon!
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Yes it’s definitely a slightly deeper insight into her story ๐
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I love this book too much โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
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Ahhh I’m glad! Thank you for sharing x
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I’m usually not a big non-fiction fan, however, I’ve been wanting to read this for a while and now you have convinced me more xx
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I don’t read a lot of non-fiction either tbh, but I think memoirs can be so interesting x
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I own a copy of becoming but I’ve yet to read it! I’m genuinely very excited to get cracking with it! Thankyou for sharing your review x
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Aw I hope you give it a go soon! It’s a great read ๐ x
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I’ve always wanted to give this a read but I’ve never got round to buying it! Thanks so much for sharing – hopefully I’ll get round to reading it soon!
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I really recommend checking it out ๐
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Iโve heard so many amazing things about this book. Iโm currently reading Barackโs and Iโm definitely adding this to my TBR
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Ooh that’s great! Thank you for dropping by x
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This has been on my reading list for so long I need to finally start it! Awesome review ๐
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Thank you ๐ let me know if you get round to reading it x
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Watched her documentary on Netflix. She is a very strong woman and at the same time, her heart also reflects what many women feel. I also love the way how she instill values to her daughters. Michelle, really rocks!
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Yes I agree, she is amazing but also so normal x
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This book has been on my tbr since last year and your review makes me want to read it next! Thank you!
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Aw I hope you get chance to give it a go soon x
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I don’t normally read nonfiction but this has been one of my exceptions and making me realise that I need to read more. I read this last year and was honestly so inspired and immediately recommended it to my mum to read. I haven’t seen the netflix adaption yet but definitely want to. Fantastic review.
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Iโve had the same realisation! It was amazing, I watched the Netflix documentary with my mum and we both loved it ๐ thank you Lindsey x
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I find both Barack and Michelle Obama very inspiring. They always seemed like very genuine and down to earth people. After reading your review “Becoming” has made it onto my reading list. Thanks for sharing!
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I have heard so much about becoming. I haven’t read it but this review has definitely made me add this book to my to-be-read list. I love Michelle a lot. She is one of the strongest women I know and from what I have heard about this book, I know it’s a must read.
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Aw I really hope you enjoy it ๐ sheโs amazing and itโs great to get a little more insight into her story x
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This is a book that has been on my TBR for soo long! I really need to read it!
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Ooh I hope you get round to trying it soon ๐
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I loved this book. I actually listened to it on audiobook and it was read by Michelle Obama. Even though she was the First Lady so much of it was so down to earth and relatable.
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No way that’s amazing! I’ll have to check out the audio-book, thanks for sharing x
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I still havenโt got around to watching the Netflix show. I also want to read the book. She is such an interesting woman and so relatable! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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I agree, she seems so “normal” even though she’s done some amazing things! Thank you for dropping by ๐ x
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This is such a great review. Becoming has been on my TBR list for a little while now. I didn’t realise there was a Netflix show too.
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Thank you ๐ I really recommend checking them both out x
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I love Michelle Obama and this book sounds absolutely amazing xx
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She’s fantastic, and I really recommend the book/documentary xx
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I’ve heard so many things about both the book and the TV series that I think I need to get round to reading and watching them! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it sounds like such a fascinating read.
Tash – A Girl with a View
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Iโve heard about this book before but I havenโt read it yet. Reading your review makes me feel that I need to get myself a copy of this book and read it. Itโs very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your review.
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I’m not really updated as to her life and works.. but the way you described her seems wonderful. I guess there always something behind the curtains of famous people even to the political ones. It’s nice that she made this book and expose her life. It makes her more human in a way that she is open to the public about her ups and downs ๐
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She’s great! Yes I agree, and this woman’s personal story was much more interesting to me than her political one ๐ thank you for sharing x
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